Working with Children and Young People affected by HIV

The number of children in our area who are HIV+ is low compared to London and other metropolitan cities. This is not the picture globally as children and young people account for more than half the new infections each year. It is probable that our local numbers will rise over the next few years and agencies need to be prepared. Theoretically all agencies that deal with children should already have in place policies and procedures that provide sound guidance on the relevant areas (i.e. confidentiality, health and safety, bullying, etc.).

A publication by the National Children's Bureau earlier this year 'HIV in Schools, Good practice guide to supporting children infected or affected by HIV', by Magda Conway, (link below) cites case histories where families have had to move neighbourhood and schools because their children have been persecuted as a result of their HIV status. The guide recommends NOT having a separate HIV/AIDS policy in schools. The preferred approach is to include specific statements in the existing policies accompanied by an aware and knowledgeable staff group.

Schools may not be aware that a pupil is HIV+ as it is not a requirement that they be notified. Indeed children may not know, as some parents choose not to run the risk of accidental disclosure nor burden their children with a 'family secret' at a young age. Consequently schools and other agencies should already have in place appropriate First Aid and Health and Safety practices.

Another publication in November 2004 by the Department of Health, 'Children in Need and Blood-borne Viruses: HIV and Hepatitis' (link below) provides guidance for local authority social services departments and health services. Both publications strongly emphasise the need for robust and meaningful confidentiality procedures and keeping to a minimum the number of people who know about a child’s HIV status.

http://www.ncb.org.uk/resources/hivforum_schoolsgpg.pdf
http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/09/35/12/04093512.pdf